Andy Hopper defeated incumbent Lynn Stucky in the May runoff for the Texas House District 64 Republican Primary. BRENDAN MARCHAND | WCMESSENGER
In his third bid for state office, Texas House District 64 candidate Andy Hopper broke through with a decisive victory over four-term incumbent Lynn Stucky in the Republican Primary runoff.
Combined Denton and Wise County results show Hopper won the race by just under 2,500 votes.
Hopper, a Wise County resident, drew more than 72 percent of the vote (5,602-2,157) in his home county, according to preliminary results from the Wise County Elections Office. Stucky, a Sanger resident, carried 56 percent of the vote in Denton County (4,291-3,341).
In early voting, Hopper led by 1,714 votes. He expanded the lead to 2,495 after preliminary Denton County results were finalized as of 9:50 p.m. Tuesday.
Hopper declared victory following the release of Wise County voting totals at 8:40 p.m.
“Tonight is a massive victory for principled conservatives in Wise and Denton Counties,” said Hopper in a statement sent to the Messenger Tuesday night. “Our district strongly endorses closing the southern border, cutting property taxes and passing school choice.”
Andy Hopper (left) picked up the endorsements from U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and political activist Kyle Rittenhouse (far right) in Hopper’s bid for House District 64. MESSENGER ARCHIVE
“…Our conservative movement is resounding, and I thank every single person who believed in our mission. I want to thank God, my wife Amanda, my family, our entire team and every volunteer who’s worked tirelessly in support of this campaign. God bless House District 64 and God bless Texas,” Hopper’s statement concluded.
Stucky released a statement after Denton County results were released.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Rep. Lynn Stucky spoke at a fundraiser Feb. 2, 2024, in Decatur. MESSENGER ARCHIVE
“For the last nine years, it has been my greatest honor to represent you in the Texas House. While the outcome of tonight’s election was not what we had hoped for, it does not change my passion and commitment to leaving a legacy of faithful stewardship for the next generation,” Stucky said. “Over the last three years, Andy Hopper has pitted neighbor against neighbor and community against community in our district in a win-at-all-costs quest for power. Tonight, the votes in Wise County have borne that out.”
“As for me and my house, we will continue to be faithful to our calling of service wherever that path leads us. Lori and I are deeply grateful to all of those who have journeyed with us. Our victories have been many. Our efforts have not been in vain, and our future remains bright. May God bless you all,” the statement concluded.
Hopper will now face Angela Brewer, who ran unopposed in the Democratic Primary for House District 64.
This is Hopper’s third bid for state office and his second time running against Stucky in the Republican primary for Texas House District 64.
In the March 2022 Republican primary, he lost 9,188 to 9,282. Hopper also ran for Senate District 30 seat in a September 2020 special election, eventually losing to Sen. Drew Springer (R-Muenster).
In the March 2022 Republican primary, he lost 9,188 to 9,282. He also ran for Senate District 30 seat in a September 2020 special election, eventually losing to Sen. Drew Springer (R-Muenster).
Hopper is the co-founder of the Wise County Conservatives group. Professionally, he has taught as an adjunct professor at UNT, worked in both the private sector and the defense industry as a software engineer and currently serves as a Chief Warrant Officer in the Texas State Guard.